Brian Vickers' journey back to the Sprint Cup Series was no easy ride, but it eventually led him back to victory lane Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Vickers moved into the lead with 15 to go at the Magic Mile and survived a green-white-checkered restart to score his third career Sprint Cup victory, first since Michigan in August, 2009.
"With everything that has happened... coming here and sitting here in Victory Lane makes it one of the most special events in my life," an emotional Vickers said.
Vickers' career was nearly ended three years ago when he was hospitalized after blood clots were found in his legs and lungs. Now, it's quite obvious that he will be in the No. 55 Michael Waltrip Racing entry full-time in 2014.
"That's why I came back," he said. "For what's to be, not what's happened."
The victory was popular among fans and drivers alike. His friends and competitors immediately took to Twitter to express their joy for the 29-year-old warrior.
Right on @BrianLVickers & @rchilders55! Two great guys who have worked their butts off. #WellDeserved
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) July 14, 2013
Thanks @MWRteam ! Thanks @rchilders55 thanks @BrianLVickers thanks @Aarons_Inc @aaronssports @toyotaracing thanks to so many. #blessed
— Michael Waltrip (@mw55) July 14, 2013
Wow, this is the most awesome thing. ? @BrianLVickers @rchilders55 @aaronssports @toyotaracing I am so happy?
— Mark Martin (@55MarkMartin) July 14, 2013
We are so excited for our teammates. Ive never seen such a large group of guys work so well together @MWRteam #proud
— Martin Truex Jr. (@MartinTruexJr56) July 14, 2013
So happy for @aaronssports @BrianLVickers and @rchilders55 We just couldn't get our ole girl to get along with us today. She was evil...
— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) July 14, 2013
Good day for us.We sure wanted the win but at least we gave ourselves a chance. Congrats to @BrianLVickers. That's why u can never give up!
— Jeff Burton (@RCR31JeffBurton) July 15, 2013
Congrats to @BrianLVickers and @rchilders55 for an outstanding job, the old Aaron's Dream Machine made those boys dreams come true today !
— Darrell Waltrip (@AllWaltrip) July 14, 2013
Man ! Congrats @rchilders55 , @BrianLVickers and whole @MWRteam , very cool..Hey @mw55 , your @napaknowhow can is pretty big right now!
— Ron Capps (@NapaRonCapps) July 14, 2013
So awesome to see @BrianLVickers winning good things happen to who work hard and has good values
— Max Papis (@maxpapis) July 15, 2013
After celebrating in victory lane, Vickers took to Twitter to thank everyone who believed in him.
Michael. Rob. Wish you guys were here. Cheers to you! Ty. @aaronssports @toyotaracing everyone. The crew. The fans. Thank you That was big
— Brian Vickers (@BrianLVickers) July 14, 2013
And where would we all be without @rchilders55 Thank you my friend.
— Brian Vickers (@BrianLVickers) July 14, 2013
